"Rhys Williams is not out of contract and talking to him the boy's pretty comfortable here so I don't see that being an issue.

"He wants to try and help us get back to the Premier League."

Perth-born Williams, who can also play in midfield, has been a regular for Boro this term, making 20 appearances in all competitions.

Williams had told The World Game last week: “I’m aware there has been some speculation but I am more than happy at Middlesbrough. I am well settled and it would mean so much to the town and the manager Tony Mowbray to go up."